How can I help my friend who has postpartum depression?

How can I help my friend? She just had a baby-the doctor put her on medication today--no more nursing.

ANSWER:

I'm sure she may be beating herself up for not breast feeding. If so, encourage her that her health is most important in order to properly care for her baby.

Here are some steps that worked for me...

1. When I suffered from postpartum depression, the best thing anyone did for me was look after my baby so I could either sleep, exercise or hit Starbucks for a decaf and read my favourite magazine. My first born was colicky and I needed a break every now and then.

2. I would suggest you ask your friend, "What do you need right now?", "What would you like more than anything right now?" If she answers, "my bathroom to be cleaned" - by all means do it! :)

3. Some other great things were little gifts like herbal teas and bath soaks to pamper myself. I absolutely loved this peppermint foot spray that Body Shop has. It soothed my aching feet. I also loved a pampering day at the Spa.

4. I had friends cook meals for me that were nutritious and hot. I craved a good hot meal. It took a lot to make a meal so this was SO FABULOUS! I had arranged for 5 friends to alternate meals each week for me.

I knew from the first pregnancy that I had to be bold and ask for this kind of help. However, the first time, I was too shy and too afraid to ask. As a result, I was lonely, undernourished and depressed. Ask your friend what her favourite meal is and make it! Or if you aren't a good cook, order it!

5. If you're friend is able, take her for a walk with her new baby. Getting outside was THE BEST thing for me! Find a great park or something with paths away from busy traffic. Walk past a playground so your friend can see happy moms and children playing. This was encouraging to me too.

Comments for How can I help my friend who has postpartum depression?

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Apr 10, 2015
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great comments
by: Carrie T. Banks

The topic here i found was really effective to the topic which i was researching for a long time.

May 25, 2011
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Another Tip for Postpartum Depression
by: Anonymous

All great tips for postpartum depression - one was missing, and it was one I found on http://www.naturalcuresfordepression.com - they have a video there for a method called EFT which is a quick and ultra easy method that eliminates symptoms right away. I would suggest she give that a try.

Dec 08, 2010
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Opt for Natural Treatment
by: Anonymous

Here are some of the Natural Treatment to help your friend enhance recovery from Post Partum Depression:

1. Diaphragmatic breathing - Practice of deep breathing in a fuller way to ingest oxygen, or known as abdominal breathing or belly breathing.

2. Meditation - A mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. It is highly recommended to have a guidance guru for advance meditation.

3. Visualization - Use of relaxation music and sound of nature to help create visualization of relax environment such as the sound of ocean or small river stream.

4. Acupuncture - A technique of inserting and manipulating fine filiform needles into specific points on the body with the aim of relieving pain and for therapeutic purposes.

5. Acupressure Massage - A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique derived from acupuncture. In acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow, or with various devices.

6. Panic Disorder Natural Treatment - The use of natural herbs to relief anxiety. Talk to your doctor before taking herbal remedies or supplements to make sure they're safe for you and won't interact with any medications you take.

7. Exercise ? Light exercise as little as 30 minutes a day, 3 to 5 times a week will relief the anxiety significantly. To achieve maximum result, an hour of aerobic exercise everyday will greatly improves the situation.

8. Biofeedback ? Using sensors to measure the symptoms of anxiety like rapid heart rate, breathing and muscle tension to recognize the body panic or anxiety response, and use relaxation techniques to control them.

9. Hypnosis ? Hypnosis is sometimes used in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. Hypnotherapist will use therapeutic techniques to "re-program" and help you face your fear.

10. Nutrition - Although there is no diet to relieve anxiety, eating healthy meals keeps your body well nourished and strong. Avoid caffeine because it can make you feel restless. Avoid alcohol and nicotine as well. Eat more fresh vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. Keep your blood sugar at a steady level by eating frequent small meals that contain protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

To learn more on how to beat postpartum depression, visit this link

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